My Shopping Bag – Almost Monochrome

I hope for these posts to be a series where we write about five-six items we recently purchased, why we picked it up and how we either plan to or have worn and styled them. Needless to say, suggestions about how to wear such items if you already have something similar would be appreciated.

Item 1: Plan white v-neck tee

This sounds basic in theory but from my experience it is not easy to find the perfect one. I realize this sounds a tad over-dramatic – every white tee is the perfect tee. Unfortunately, no.

Most high street stores have a minimum of two styles of white tees – one scoop or round neck and one a v-neck. The problem is that most are too thin to wear as is and usually need to be worn over a camisole. I find this too much hassle for a tee which is supposed to be a low-maintenance item. Of course there are others which are perfect but too expensive (and for me, that makes them not-so-perfect). And to me, pretty much everything is too expensive when it comes to a white tee. The last problem may only be mine – sometimes the v-neck is way too deep to be comfortable.

I have been checking the high street and went through all the regular places like H&M, Forever 21, Dorothy Perkins, Primark and so on. Not so strange that I found my perfect tee at Primark – slightly strange that it was in the men’s section. And it is perfect – the v-neck is not too deep and material and fit is just right. Another thing is that unlike other essential items like black trousers or a denim shirt, no white tee will remain in good condition for more than a few months or so. Which is why Primark is the perfect place to shop for one.

Item 2: Skater Skirt

I have been seeing everyone around me wear skater skirts in bright and solid colours. I don’t have the long legs to pull off this style but was definitely interested. So when I saw this skirt on ASOS, I ordered it.

I had always associated these skater styles with ballet and ballerinas but this one was a little different. I liked that the laser cuts style and the faux leather look was not too cutesy. The laser cut trend seems to continue and the faux leather helps this stay current for fall. I am really looking forward to wearing it with black and some bright coloured tights – keep checking for those pictures please.

Item 3: Skinny belts

So of course, the skirt was not the only thing I ordered from ASOS –  I also ordered some colourful skinny belts like the one I wore with my summer dress and with the sharp tuck look.

I have been wearing the tan and blue ones constantly – with trousers, jeans and dresses. My new challenge to myself has been to try a belt with a blazer or a jacket – I hope to have pictures for those soon too!

Item 4: Crop top

I ended up skipping most of the recent trends – peplum, bucket bags and backpacks and so on. But the crop top was one trend I was determined to try out. And as with all things trendy with potential for looking ridiculous, I wanted to do it in the most neutral possible way – so I bought a cheap, simple, black crop top from Boohoo. It fits perfectly, not too short, not too fitted – just right.

I know I want to wear it with a pencil skirt. This is the easiest way to try on the crop top trend – I will start out easy. Maybe after that I will more on more interesting outfits. (Or maybe it will be retired to the back of my closet.)

Item 5: ‘Flippy’ skirt

Another trend I have not yet tried is the A-line vintage skirt like the one below (which by the way is pretty much as perfect and polished an outfit can get).

But I decided to try on what I call the ‘flippy’ skirt (not the official name, by the way). These are all around – short, straight halfway through and then comes the ‘flounce’ – basically a peplum skirt. This is basically my version of the vintage floral midi skirt. I didn’t think I could pull off the overtly feminine vintage skirt but decided the flippy skirt was perfect – interesting and feminine but still neutral and casual enough. And it was also on sale in Bershka. Similar styles like the one I found are everywhere – I like these ones from ASOS and Mango.

Item 6: Black pants

Black neoprene leggings from Zara to wear with everything and everywhere. I have quite an issue finding leggings which fit in length. By now I have given up and just fold them under and carry on. Black leggings like these are my wardrobe essential. I got these ones at the Zara summer sale but they have a number of options from ones you can wear to the gym and ones you can wear out on Saturday night.

And thats it for now. I hope to have many such posts pursuant to many such shopping trips! Also, if you need any particular information on the items I mentioned let me know and I will try my best to have that sorted. And I promise – for next time, there will be some colour in my shopping bag!

– Anisha

Photos edited by Bidisha